Meet Daphne Martino & Claudia Barroso | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daphne Martino & Claudia Barroso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daphne & Claudia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting our own business really felt like the natural next step for both of us. Interior design has always been something we loved and naturally gravitated toward — we’ve each been designing, decorating, and helping friends and family with their homes for years. It’s always been part passion, part side project.

With our kids now in high school and college, we finally had the space and time to really commit and make it official. We knew we had a point of view and a service people were already seeking out from us — it just made sense to turn what we love doing into a business. It’s been exciting (and a little surreal) to build something of our own and see it resonate with clients beyond our immediate circle.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At M&B Design Studio, we’re incredibly proud to be two women who made the decision to take our careers to the next level after raising our children. We didn’t want to just settle down — we wanted to show our daughters that anything is possible at any age.

We got to where we are today through a lot of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in our vision. It hasn’t always been easy — there were definitely times when we asked ourselves, “Is this worth it?” As much as we love what we do, the challenges and frustrations that come with this industry are very real. But in the end, we’re not quitters. We take the good with the bad and try to have fun with the process.

Our families have been a huge part of our journey — from physically helping us at installs to assisting with the endless spreadsheets that keep our projects organized and on track. Their support has made all the difference.

What sets us apart is our commitment to honesty, transparency, and open communication with our clients. That foundation of trust allows us to navigate challenges and create spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful. Every project teaches us something new — whether it’s working with different personalities or finding creative solutions on-site to achieve the perfect aesthetic, we’re always learning and growing.

We want the world to know that we are deeply dedicated to our craft. We take immense pride in delivering final products that stay true to our design aesthetic — thoughtful, timeless, and tailored — and most importantly, that our clients truly love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When friends come to visit, we love showing them a mix of everything — beautiful outdoor spaces, great food, a little adventure, and plenty of relaxation.

We’d start with a morning stroll through Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, then grab a fresh smoothie or snack from Wayside Market — a Pinecrest favorite. On Sunday mornings, we’d make a stop at the Pinecrest Farmers Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to artisanal goods — it’s such a fun, local way to start the day.

A beach day in South Beach would definitely be on the list, followed by lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab. Later in the week, we’d head down to Ocean Reef for boating, swimming, and a round of golf — the perfect way to take in the scenery and unwind in one of our favorite places.

We’d also spend time exploring Miami’s art and design scene. The street murals and creative energy throughout Wynwood always leave us inspired, and the Miami Design District is a must for anyone who loves architecture, high-end shops, and beautifully curated spaces.

We’d plan a spa day at The Standard Spa or Tierra Santa at Faena to relax and recharge. Evenings would be all about great food and memorable experiences — COTE Miami in the Design District for an incredible Korean steakhouse experience, Bouchon Bistro in Coral Gables for a classic French evening, and a night at Queen Miami Beach, where dinner feels more like a performance — dramatic, glamorous, and unforgettable. We’d also stop by iconic local spots like Ball and Chain, with its vibrant live music and rich history, to experience a taste of Miami’s cultural heartbeat.

We’d wrap the trip with drinks at Bellini at Mr. C Coconut Grove, enjoying the view, the breeze, and a beautifully refined end to a week in the city we’re so proud to call home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! We definitely have to give a huge shoutout to our husbands and our kids. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and understanding have played such a meaningful role in our journey. From believing in our vision from the very beginning to cheering us on through the late nights, early mornings, and big milestones, their support has been a constant source of strength. We’re so grateful to have them by our side every step of the way — they are truly a part of everything we do.

Website: https://mbdesignstudio.us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandbdesignstudio/

Image Credits
Trevo Studio